rjscout

What sort of involvement do different Packs have with their CO, when the CO is a school PTO? I haven't seen any real involvment, but I was trying to look at ideas which could allow the PTO to help us grow. I don't think that they are opposed, but I am not sure if anyone looked at how we both can contribute to help each other. We are at 48 boys right now, with 60% of the boys in Tiger and Wolf dens. This years kindergarten class is only 75% of the size of the previous two classes, so the pool is not as deep for next year's recruiting. What have other PTO chartered packs done?

A few months ago, I was looking for skits for our 'Indian Nations' meeting and for some advancement ceremonies. I happened to run across a skit that features a scout at various levels with sort of a 'Who's on First', where BALOO says 'who's getting bobcat?'. I knew I should have saved the site in my favorites. Now I can't refind the skit. Is anybody familiar with that skit? With all of the advancements that will will have for B&G, I was hoping to use that as an opening skit, after the flag ceremony. Thanks for your help! Rob

I attended BALOO last October for my Pack, as the new Outdoor Activities chair. That got me excited about scouter training as a whole. I kept hearing about Wood Badge and this site has helped tremendously in growing the excitement. Soon after my BALOO training, which was integrated as part of the Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills, I was asked to be ACM with the idea that I would become CM next year. I was originally thinking that I would take the whole IOLS course in the fall, and then WB some time later. I get tempted when I look at the WB information. Now that I see the schedule for WB in the fall, I see that the 2nd weekend will interfere with our first Pack meeting of the school year (when we get a lot of new Tiger Cubs). I mentioned that at roundtable last night, and someone told me that I could get an ACM to run the meeting. That is true, but I feel that as a new CM, it is important to be there as the new Tigers get started. My son is currently a Wolf, so I have plenty of time for WB. I just hope that he likes the scouting enough to stay involved. That's one of the reasons I am helping the Pack, to keep the program fun and exciting. Do I have good thinking, or should I skip the Pack meeting to attend WB sooner than later? I wonder if I'll get any opinions. LOL Thanks for all the great posts I have read on scouter.com Rob

I have been wondering the same thing. We have a pack of 48 based out of one elementary school (PTO is charter). I am a new ACM, but will be the CM next year. I have been thinking about ideas for recruiting. We have had a couple of good years of recruiting (the pack was MUCH smaller two years ago). The leadership seems enthused, which is good. Just hoping to keep the growth going, yet manageable.

We have been borrowing another pack's Pinewood Derby track for our race. We are starting to look at raising some extra funds to purchase our own. What types of experiences have you had with looking for a new track? Any good advice on track type, finish sensors, race management software, and anything else that might be involved? I appreciate all of your help. RJSCOUT

I have been intrigued with the Arrow of Light since I saw a GREAT ceremony last spring. My son was a Tiger last year. This year, I have become part of the pack committee (Outdoor Activities Chair). I started reading more about the Arrow of Light and found : http://www.sageventure.com/history/cub/index.htm Arrow of Light In 1972 or at the end of 1971, the old Webelos rank badge changed its name to the Arrow of Light badge and the requirements were for the badge were significantly changed. The changes meant that Webelos could begin working on their Arrow of Light at the age of 10. I obtained my Webelos badge in early 1971, before becoming a boy scout for one year. I left the scouts due to an inactive troop. Now that I am back with scouts as a leader, I was wondering if I am able to wear an AOL Square Knot on my leader uniform. Any thoughts? Thanks, Rob